How do I search for boat rentals?

To search for a boat, go to sailo.com and enter the location for which you wish to rent a boat. To make the results more customized, you may also specify start and end date of your rental, as well as the number of people (boaters) expected aboard a vessel. By pressing the Search button, you will be able to see the list of all available vessels according to your search filters. To further customize your search, you may use any of the following filters located on the left hand-side of the page: boat type (sail, power or electric), length, price per day and/or fuel economy.

What type of yacht should I charter?

No matter what type of yacht you choose to charter, we know that you will have a fantastic time on the water. If you are more about the journey, and want a relaxing time aboard, then choose from one of the many sailboats on the platform. If you are more about the destination, and going fast, check out the powerboats on Sailo. For an exclusive experience, Sailo recommends chartering a luxurious yacht for the day. 

Finally, Sailo has access to many event boats as well for group outings from 50 - 1,000 guests. If you are still unsure, then just ask at concierge@sailo.com! If you tell us what you want, we will tell you exactly what you need!

How and when do I pay for my boat rental?

On Sailo, you pay for the charter at the time of booking with either a credit card, or Apple Pay. This confirms the rental, and holds the boat for your trip! Gratuity is generally not included in the price for captained charters, and you will pay in cash for this upon completion. If fuel and/or other extras are not included in the charter price, then you will be required to pay these with cash or a credit card at either the beginning, or completion of the trip.

What happens if we encounter bad weather on our boating trip?

For captained charters, weather cancellations and reschedulings are at the discretion of the captain. Captains will not take you out if conditions are dangerous. That being said, please keep in mind that a few clouds, or a slight chance of rain will likely not be grounds for cancellation or rescheduling. Please reach out to the captain as your trip gets closer to discuss the weather.

What should I do if there is damage to the boat, or an accident?

If there is a serious accident while out on the water, please alert the US Coast Guard +1 (800) 323-7233 immediately, or hail them on VHF 16.

For more minor incidents/damages, please make a note of it on the Check-In/Check-Out Survey, and contact the owner as soon as possible. We can be reached at concierge@sailo.com if you have any questions and concerns.

Do I need to purchase insurance in order to rent a boat?

At Sailo we offer a very comprehensive insurance policy that is included with the booking through Lloyd’s of London that covers the renter, boat owner, and captain. Furthermore, professionally operated vessels that list on Sailo carry their own insurance policy. However, some charter vessels listed on the Sailo platform do require the charterer to purchase insurance at a nominal daily rate for the term of the charter.  

Our full Insurance Policy is available here.

What should I bring on a boat rental?

Bring yourself, and some comfortable clothes suitable to the season you are going to be out on the water. Please keep in mind that it is often 10 degrees cooler out on the water, so a jacket or windbreaker is never a bad idea. We also recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, as well as a swimsuit if appropriate for your charter location.

Please coordinate with your captain regarding any food or drinks that you wish to bring aboard. For term-charters, Sailo recommends using soft-sided luggage, and keeping it simple. Check out our Discover Boating guide for more information.  

How long does a boat rental last?

The basic daily rental is structured as either a quarter-, half-, or full-day. A quarter-day is two hours, a half-day is four hours, and a full-day is eight hours. You can also discuss a custom trip with the boat by contacting the owner through Sailo. 

Most term charters (weekly rentals) are from Saturday to Saturday. Keep in mind that the boat generally needs to be back at the dock by Friday evening, and you will need to be off the boat on Saturday morning so they can prepare the boat for the next guests.

What should I wear on a yacht charter (or boat rental)?

We suggest checking with the captain or boat owner prior to your trip, as each boat owner may have specific thoughts or requirements. As a general rule, we recommend wearing non-marking shoes (e.g., deck shoes or white-soled sneakers), and bringing an extra layer since it is often cooler on the water than on land. Make sure you also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. Check out our Discover Boating guide for more information.  

Does the displayed boat rental pricing include everything (taxes, tip, fuel…)?

The displayed price generally just reflects the base charter rate. At checkout, you will be able to see a further breakdown of fees, taxes, and extra services. Gratuity is generally not included in the price, so please keep in mind that you should tip the captain and crew between 15-20%. Please check the boat profile to determine whether or not fuel is included in the price.

Can I get help planning my trip?

Yes, at Sailo we offer a free trip planning service and can help you plan your trip for a day, week or even a month! All you need to do is contact our concierge at concierge@sailo.com.

What is the cleaning policy upon returning the boat?

Returning a boat with a “normal” amount of dirt is acceptable and will not result in any additional charges. However, if a boat is returned covered with dirt, sand, trash, food, fish blood etc. and you do not wash the boat prior to returning it, the renter will be charged an additional one-time administrative fee of $100. This fee will not be added to the rental if a boat owner has already included a cleaning fee as a part of their rental terms.

What if the captain does not show up or is late?

If the captain does not show up to meet the renter at the agreed upon rental start time, Sailo will treat this as a captain cancellation. Please also contact us directly at +1 (646) 780-9275 and we will do our best to get you on the water in no time! Similarly, if the renter does not show up to take the boat out, the no-show will be treated as a renter cancellation. If a renter does not contact Sailo to cancel the rental, the renter will be charged the total amount for the rental period until the issue is resolved.

Does the rental price include fuel?

Great question! This depends on the boat owners’ choice, since they will be the ones to decide whether fuel is included or not in the price listing. In general, the rental price will NOT include fuel. We make this process easier by providing an estimated average fuel cost per hour for each boat. However, make sure you discuss your fuel options with the boat owner/captain before the rental begins!

Are there any prohibited items allowed on boats?

At Sailo, safety is always a priority. Therefore, we ask that good judgment be used at all times (if it’s illegal on the land, it will quite likely be illegal on the water as well!) while checking with boat owners for any specific restrictions given the fact that they have the final say as to what is and is not allowed on the boat.

How many people can be onboard at the same time?

Paid charters may only carry 6 or 12 passengers at a time, unless it is a US Coast Guard Inspected Vessel. There are many factors to determine whether a boat may carry 6 or 12 in one trip. Primarily, vessels that weigh less than 100 GRT (gross tons) can carry up to 6 passengers; vessels greater than 100 GRT can carry up to 12 passengers. A boat can only carry more than 12 passengers if it is classified as a Recreational Vessel - manufactured and operated primarily for pleasure.

A more detailed overview for US Coast Guard regulations can be found here: http://www.uscg.mil/d7/sectMiami/pdf/CharterBrochure.pdf.

Are there life jackets on board?

Yes, there are life jackets on board which is a requirement of the USCG and other maritime governing bodies.